About the Role

Welch LLP is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead firm-wide execution, operational excellence, and enterprise risk management. This newly created role will work closely with Partners and the Corporate Leadership Team to ensure the firm's strategic priorities are translated into measurable outcomes.

The COO will serve as a key member of the firm's leadership team, bringing structure, accountability, and visibility to strategic initiatives while fostering collaboration across offices, service lines, and corporate functions. Based in Ottawa, the role supports operations across both Ottawa and Toronto.

This is a newly created role.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Execution & Performance Management

• Translate firm strategy into actionable execution plans, including clear ownership, priorities, milestones, and deliverables.
• Lead firm-wide tracking of strategic initiatives, KPIs, and business performance.
• Monitor progress, identify risks and roadblocks, and provide recommendations to leadership to maintain momentum.
• Ensure leaders have clear visibility into execution progress, resource constraints, and emerging priorities.

Operational Leadership

• Establish and maintain effective governance, reporting, and performance management processes.
• Lead the firm's execution framework, ensuring priorities are delivered consistently and efficiently.
• Chair the monthly Execution Forum and drive accountability for enterprise initiatives.
• Continuously improve systems, processes, reporting, and decision-making tools to support firm growth.

Cross-Firm Coordination

• Coordinate strategic initiatives that span multiple practices, service lines, and offices.
• Facilitate collaboration across the firm to reduce barriers and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Support leadership in balancing client needs, market opportunities, and organizational capacity.

Risk Management & Leadership Support

• Maintain an enterprise-wide view of operational and execution risks and escalate issues appropriately.
• Support leadership succession and transition planning by ensuring key actions and commitments are executed.
• Partner with senior leaders to drive organizational alignment and sustained business performance.

Leadership of Corporate Functions

• Provide leadership, guidance, and development support to the firm's corporate leaders.

Qualifications
Experience

• Progressive senior leadership experience in operations, business management, strategy execution, transformation, or COO-level roles.
• Experience leading organization-wide initiatives, performance management programs, and governance processes.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior leaders and decision-makers in a professional services, partnership, or similar environment.

Core Competencies

• Strategic execution and operational leadership.
• Performance measurement and KPI management.
• Strong business acumen and data-driven decision-making.
• Change leadership and organizational effectiveness.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• Ability to navigate complexity, resolve cross-functional challenges, and drive results.
• Commitment to mentoring, developing leaders, and fostering a collaborative culture.

What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will bring discipline, accountability, and transparency to the firm's strategic execution process. They will create alignment across leadership teams, strengthen operational performance, and ensure Welch's strategic priorities are delivered effectively while preserving the collaborative and entrepreneurial culture that defines the firm.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a newly created executive leadership role and make a significant impact on the future growth and success of one of Canada's leading independent accounting and advisory firms. The COO will play a critical role in strengthening how Welch executes strategy, manages performance, and scales for the future.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

There is no AI used in Welch's hiring process